Description
Whip up a delicious and authentic pot of Puerto Rican Style Beans in just 45 minutes! This flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning (with cumin and achiote if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or another can of pinto or kidney beans)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
- Optional: 1 tablespoon tomato paste for added depth of flavor
- Optional: A splash of white vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness
Instructions
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- 2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and parsley.
- 3. Stir in the adobo seasoning, dried oregano, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. If using red pepper flakes, add them now. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- 4. Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, kidney beans, and cannellini beans to the pot. If using tomato paste, stir it in now and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor.
- 5. Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
- 6. After 30 minutes of simmering, check the consistency. If you prefer a thicker texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or carefully blend a small portion with an immersion blender.
- 7. Season the beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in a splash of white vinegar or fresh lime juice before serving, if desired.
Notes
Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Can also be reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes, Side Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g